Africa comes out to play

It was all leggy lovelies at the launch of a continental fashion week, then down to business for leadership do

IT was impossible to miss the two guys in matching shirts and bow ties at Vilamoura at the Sandton Sun this week.

Mozambican designer Taibo Bacar and his public relations manager, Elidja Sitoe, made an impact - even among all the designers and models at the launch of Africa Fashion International's fashion week.

Bacar said his collection, which carries his name, was inspired by the 1986 death of Mozambican president Samora Machel.

''My collection is all about independence day in 1975 and what happened afterwards. It's about the death of our leader. You will see Samora throughout the show," he said.

I recognised Somalian-born designers, twins Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim, now based in New York, from seeing them on Oprah a few years ago.

They said their label Mataano's spring/summer collection was fresh from New York Fashion week three weeks ago.

Also there from the US was Michael Roberts, fashion and style director of Vanity Fair magazine, being entertained by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, who heads African Fashion International.

Her husband Patrice popped in with soccer legend Brian Baloyi and other rich-looking men, but did not stay long.

I was introduced to Alice Heusser, who said Kimora Lee Simmons attended her show in Cape Town earlier this year. The queen of fabulosity was so impressed with Heusser's Lalesso collection that she went backstage and picked a few items - and later named her in a US TV interview as one of her favourite designers, alongside Gucci and Versace.

I rubbed shoulders with over 30 designers, including Thula Sindi, Marianne Fassler and David Tlale; Ghanaian Nelly Hagan-Aboagye, Zimbabwean Colin Ratasai of CZeeRat and Nigerian - now UK-based - Francis Udom, who has dressed Michelle Obama.

The trade expo the next morning at the Sandton Convention Centre felt like fashion heaven. Everything related to fashion was on show, from shoes and hats to bags, clothes, weaves and cosmetics. The white couches in the venue came in handy for those of us in nagging high heels.

I sneaked into the rehearsal for Joburg-born, New York-based Alexander Koutny's dark and moody collection, but my favourite on show was fashion house Kabanga's vintage-looking jackets. I also signed up with Daily Shoe; instead of receiving daily inspirational quotes in my inbox, I'll soon be feasting on shoes every morning.

• Later on Thursday I changed into my evening dress and headed back to the Sandton Sun for the glamorous All Africa Business Leadership Awards.

My favourite outfit of the night was that worn by Gauteng MEC of economic development Qedani Mahlangu, who looked very feminine in pale pink lace and pleated white chiffon, bought in Thailand.

Absa's group chief executive Maria Ramos also looked fabulous - although she said she told her driver on the way to the event that she was crossing her fingers no one asked her about her outfit. I assured her she looked stunning in her black dress with a white sequined jacket and white neckpiece (she refused to pose with her black quilted Chanel clutch bag).

Aliko Dangote won two awards but wasn't there to receive them in person.

I must confess that my main reason for attending the event had been to shake the hand of Dangote, Africa's richest man, according to Forbes.

But my night was not spoilt as the vibe was festive, taking us back to the 2010 soccer World Cup with a Waka Waka dance, plus a performance by Lira.